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“Maggie is very proud of her famous friend.”
“Once famous. I don’t do that now... haven’t for a while.”
“Really? Last I heard you were still wowing crowds everywhere.”
She shook her head. “Ha, no, not for months now.”
“True? Maggs never said. So what’s next for you?”
“I-I... ah, I’m t-taking a break.”
He frowned as she stuttered over the words. Bailey had never stuttered, she’d spoken in a clear, concise voice. He watched her inhale deeply, twice. Of course, more than he had changed in the years since they’d last seen each other, he knew that, he just hadn’t expected.... Hell, he had no idea what he’d expected.
“I decided to come here and see Maggie.” The words were spoken slowly.
See Maggie, not him.
“Quite a lot has changed in fifteen years, Bailey.”
She nodded, but said nothing more. Another change; the old Bailey Jones had filled every gap with words.
She started moving. Reaching his side, she stopped briefly, and looked up at him. Joe noticed a small crescent-shaped scar high on her cheekbone that hadn’t been there when she was thirteen.
“Thank you for reaching the Apple Sours for me.”
He made himself speak. Pushed aside the myriad of feelings choking him, and forced a smile onto his face.
“No worries, I know what your addiction to them was once like. It’s good to see that hasn’t changed. Nice to see you again, Bailey. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
She gave another jerky nod, and something flickered over her face. Sadness, maybe? Whatever, it was soon gone. She managed a shaky smile. He remembered that too. The little girl who had taught herself how to hide away from things that hurt or upset her. She’d often hid her troubled thoughts behind a smile.
“Goodbye, Joe,” she added before leaving.
